Center for Government and Community Development

Mississippi’s towns and communities have much in common, but each has unique characteristics. Some have only a few hundred residents and provide just basic services, while many provide the full range of municipal services to populations in the thousands. Manufacturing enterprises are the biggest employers in some municipalities. Others depend primarily on agriculture or tourism.

There is, however, one resource available to all Mississippi communities—access to community development outreach and local government training programs provided by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Through the Extension Center for Government and Community Development (GCD), university­based and county colleagues work for positive change through partnerships with communities to address important local issues, concerns, and opportunities.

Backed by Mississippi State University research, GCD educators provide outreach programs that teach elected officials and community and business leaders how to apply the latest knowledge and technology to local issues and needs.

GCD programs include county and municipal educational programs, legislatively mandated certification programs, emergency preparedness education, drinking water programs, and community development programs.

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law is prohibited. For more information, please contact the Office of Compliance and Integrity.